University of Fiji vice-chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem says politicians who take potshots at the institution and those who rely on gossip, innuendo and leaked misinformation “will be subjected to the strong arm of defamation law”.
She was referring to comments made by National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad to Radio New Zealand.
Prof Shameem claimed Prof Prasad said allegations of corruption and fraudulent practices at the University of Fiji could not be ignored.
“Professor Biman, as a professor himself, should know better than to repeat wild anonymous and defamatory allegations made through Radio New Zealand,” she said.
“The University of Fiji has already informed Radio New Zealand that anyone making false and criminally defamatory allegations about any person at the university or the university itself, and anyone repeating these allegations, will be subjected to the strong arm of defamation law. The allegations sent to Radio New Zealand were made by disgruntled and disgraced former employees who were terminated due to lack of performance or breach of Fiji’s law and others who have not performed but expect to be promoted or given permanent employment.”
NFP general secretary Seni Nabou said Prof Prasad “was quite clear in his interview with Radio New Zealand that for the benefit of both parties, it is to the University of Fiji’s advantage that it conduct an independent investigation into the allegations by whistleblower staff, so as to keep the credibility and reputation of the university beyond reproach”.
“There was no malice intended, but rather a logical suggestion that any right-thinking person would agree with,” Ms Nabou said.
“The NFP will not bow to legal threats or intimidation by administrators of an institution of higher learning like the University of Fiji that is being funded by public taxes, and we will do our job without fear or favour.”
